| Cymbal | n. [ OE. cimbale, simbale, OF. cimbale, F. cymbale, L. cymbalum, fr. Gr. ky`mbalon, fr. ky`mbh, ky`mbos, anything hollow, hollow vessel, basin, akin to Skr. kubha pot. Cf. Chime. ] 1. A musical instrument used by the ancients. It is supposed to have been similar to the modern kettle drum, though perhaps smaller. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A musical instrument of brass, shaped like a circular dish or a flat plate, with a handle at the back; -- used in pairs to produce a sharp ringing sound by clashing them together. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ In orchestras, one cymbal is commonly attached to the bass drum, and the other heid in the drummer's left hand, while his right hand uses the drumstick. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. A musical instrument used by gypsies and others, made of steel wire, in a triangular form, on which are movable rings. [ 1913 Webster ] |
